Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Winner You’ll Make on Repeat


  • Author: Tyla
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

This is your dream weeknight dinner: tender chunks of Italian-seasoned chicken, pasta that cooks in the sauce (hello, flavor!), tomatoes, garlic, and just enough cream and cheese to make it feel indulgent without going full Alfredo. It’s rustic, cozy, and ready in one pot—meaning less mess, more flavor, and way fewer dishes to wash.


Ingredients

– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice kick)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 8 oz penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish


Instructions

Step 1: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add to the pot and sauté for 4–5 minutes until golden and mostly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the flavor
Lower heat to medium. In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn!

Step 3: Make it saucy
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and cream. Stir well, then add the dry pasta.

Step 4: Simmer it all together
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. (If needed, add a splash of broth or water.)

Step 5: Get cheesy
Return the chicken to the pot. Add in Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a shake of red pepper flakes.

Step 6: Serve it hot
Spoon into bowls and top with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with garlic bread if you’re smart, wine if you’re fancy, or both if you’re living.

Notes

– Swap the chicken for Italian sausage or ground turkey
– Toss in spinach or chopped zucchini during the last 5 minutes for extra veg
– Use sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
– Try a splash of white wine in place of part of the broth for a little tang

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~540 kcal
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50g
  • Protein: ~36g